NFL Player News

Fant (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Fant sustained an ankle injury during the Bengals' Week 15 loss to the Ravens. He was unable to play against the Dolphins in Week 16, but his ability to practice Wednesday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. Fant would likely avoid an injury tag for Sunday's game against the Cardinals if he were to practice fully by Friday.

Kamara (knee/ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Kamara hasn't played since he suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12 and now has just five possible practices left this season to put himself in a position to play again. Fellow RB Devin Neal (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 16 action, and the carry count this past Sunday against the Jets was split between Taysom Hill (12), Audric Estime (five), Evan Hull (five), Tyler Shough (two) and Mason Tipton (one). Kamara has two more chances to practice this week before the Saints potentially make a ruling on his status ahead of Sunday's contest in Tennessee.

Gardner-Johnson (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Gardner-Johnson exited in the fourth quarter of last Saturday's win over the Packers with a knee issue and did not return. The starting slot cornerback's ability to log practice in any capacity is a good sign for his availability ahead of Sunday night's matchup with the 49ers. The 28-year-old will have two more chances to increase his practice participation to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest.

The Commanders signed Hartman from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.

Hartman has been on the Commanders' practice squad since late August after failing to make the team's 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He has been signed to the active roster to serve as the Commanders' emergency third quarterback behind Josh Johnson and Jeff Driskel for Thursday's game against the Cowboys due to the absences of Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota (hand). As the emergency QB3, Hartman would be prohibited from playing in Week 17 unless Johnson and Driskel were both to leave the game due to injury, illness or ejection. Hartman has not played in a regular-season game since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in April of 2024.

O'Neil (heel) is questionable for Minnesota's matchup against the Lions on Thursday.

O'Neil managed to play through the injury during last week's win over the Giants and was also a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, so he should have a good chance to suit up versus Detroit. However, if the 30-year-old ends up being unable to play, Walter Rouse would be in line to start at right tackle.

Byard (ankle ) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Byard played 100 percent of defensive snaps in last Saturday's overtime win over the Packers, so it is unclear when the starting safety sustained his ankle issue. Regardless of when it was sustained, the 32-year-old's ability to practice even in a limited capacity bodes well for his chances to suit up for Sunday night's game against the 49ers. Byard will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation to full in hopes of dodging an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest.

Montgomery (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest at Minnesota.

Montgomery showed up Tuesday as a non-participant at the Lions' walkthrough due to an illness and followed it up with a limited session one day later, leaving his status in question for Week 17 action. In the end, his status will be clarified about 90 minutes before Thursday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff, but if Montgomery is inhibited or sidelined, Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors would be the RB options behind No. 1 Jahmyr Gibbs.

Scott will serve as the Vikings' RB2 behind Aaron Jones against the Lions on Thursday after Jordan Mason (ankle) was ruled out.

Scott has served mostly on special teams this season, but he did play a larger role on offense from Weeks 3 to 5, which coincided with Jones' absence due to a hamstring injury. With Mason sidelined, Jones and Scott will lead the Vikings' rushing attack Christmas Day, and Ty Chandler is also available to provide depth in the backfield.

Edwards (glute) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Edwards had a double-digit tackle game last Saturday against the Packers. At the same time, he played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps, so it is unclear when the linebacker sustained his current injury. The 29-year-old will have two more chances to increase his practice participation in hopes of dodging an injury designation before Sunday night's prime-time game against the 49ers.

Brewer (neck) didn't participate in Miami's practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Brewer is currently dealing with a neck injury, making his status for Sunday's game versus the Patriots uncertain. Daniel Brunskill will likely get the start at center if Brewer ends up missing his first game of the season.